The Xiaomi Redmi Mi TV Soundbar MDZ-34-DA is an affordable solution to improve your TV’s sound, especially if the built-in speakers can’t handle bass or volume. But even with a device as simple as this, the connection can raise questions about which cable to choose, how to sync the sound to the image, or why the soundbar isn’t determined by the TV. In this article, we’ll look at all the possible ways to connect, from classic HDMI ARC to wireless Bluetooth, and give tips on how to set up and fix typical problems.
The MDZ-34-DA is versatile: it's compatible not only with Xiaomi TVs, but also with other brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and even old smart boxes. But to work properly, it's important to choose the right connection interface. For example, HDMI ARC will provide better sound quality and control of one remote, and Bluetooth is convenient for temporary connection of a smartphone or tablet.
Connection via HDMI ARC (recommended method)
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) is the best choice for Xiaomi Redmi Mi TV Soundbar MDZ-34-DA, as it delivers high-quality sound (including Dolby Digital formats) and allows you to control the soundbar volume from the TV remote.
- 🔌 Cable HDMI 1.4 or higher (included in the soundbar kit).
- 📺 Supported TV HDMI ARC (The port is usually signed with an appropriate inscription).
- ⚡ Power supply for soundbar (adapter included).
Step-by-step:
- Turn off the TV and soundbar from the socket.
- Connect one end. HDMI-port-wire HDMI ARC on the TV, the other to the connector. HDMI IN back-panel MDZ-34-DA.
- Turn the soundbar on to the network (DC 19V connector) and press the power button on the case.
- Turn on the TV and go to the audio settings menu (usually Settings → Sound → Sound output).
- Choose HDMI ARC or External Speakers (ARC) as your sound source.
Is the cable connected to the port? HDMI ARC (not HDMI!) TV?|Is the regime on? ARC TV settings?|Does the power indicator on the soundbar burn?|Have you tried restarting both devices?-->
If the sound does not appear, check:
- 🔄 Update the TV firmware (sometimes) ARC It doesn’t work because of the old versions).
- 🔊 Volume level on the soundbar (buttons) +/– case).
- 🔌 Cable: Try another one HDMI (It is desirable to support high speed).
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If your TV doesn’t support ARC, but there is a regular HDMI, you can use HDMI IN on the soundbar, but then you will have to control the volume separately from the MDZ-34-DA remote.
2. Connection via optical cable (TOSLINK)
TOSLINK's optical interface transmits sound digitally without loss, making it a good alternative to HDMI if your TV doesn't support ARC.
- Connect the optical cable (purchased separately) to the OPTICAL OUT ports on the TV and OPTICAL IN on the soundbar.
- Turn on the soundbar and press the SOURCE button on the case to select OPT mode (the indicator will light up in blue).
- On the TV, in the sound settings (Settings → Sound → Out), select Digital Optical Output (PCM or Dolby Digital).
Important nuances:
- 🎵 Sound format: If the TV supports Dolby Digital, choose it for surround sound. PCM.
- 🔌 Optical cable is sensitive to curves – don’t twist it and avoid sharp turns.
- 🔊 If there is no sound, check if the optical port on the TV is closed with a protective cap.
HDMI ARC|Optical cable (TOSLINK)|Bluetooth|AUX (3.5 mm)|Other-->
3. Wireless Bluetooth connection
Bluetooth devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptops can be wired to the Xiaomi Redmi Mi TV Soundbar MDZ-34-DA, convenient for listening to music or podcasts, but not suitable for TVs (due to audio delay).
Instructions:
- Turn on the soundbar and press the SOURCE button until the indicator starts flashing blue and red (pairing mode).
- On your device (smartphone, PC) turn on Bluetooth and find in the list MI_TV_SOUNDBAR.
- Confirm the pairing. The sound will be transmitted automatically.
Bluetooth limitations:
- 🎮 Sound delay: when watching videos or games, there will be a noticeable lag (up to 200 ms).
- 📱 Sound quality: Bluetooth compression degrades sound compared to HDMI or optical cable.
- 🔋 Automatic Shutdown: If the 10 Minutes Soundbar is not in use, it goes into sleep mode.
How to reduce the latency of the sound over Bluetooth?
Connection via AUX (3.5 mm)
AUX analog input is the most versatile way, but with poorer sound quality than digital interfaces, and it's suitable for older TVs or devices without HDMI/optics.
What you need:
- 🔌 3.5 mm cable - 3.5 mm (or 3.5 mm — RCA, If only "tulips" are on TV»).
- 📺 TV with headphones or AUX OUT.
How to connect:
- Connect the AUX OUT port on your TV with the AUX IN connector on the soundbar.
- Press SOURCE on MDZ-34-DA until the green light (AUX mode) lights up.
- Adjust the volume on the TV and soundbar (on some TVs you need to turn off the built-in speakers in the settings).
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When connected via AUX, the sound will be mono or stereo (without volumetric effect), and the volume will have to be adjusted on the two devices separately.
Typical problems and solutions:
| Problem. | Reason. | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| No sound. | Wrong source on soundbar was chosen | Press SOURCE until the green indicator (AUX) lights up. |
| Noise/interference | Bad contact or cheap cable | Check the density of the connection or replace the cable with a screened one. |
| Too quiet a sound | Limiting the signal level on the TV | In the TV settings, increase the volume of AUX OUT (if there is such a setting) |
5. Sound tuning and synchronization with the TV
After connecting the soundbar, additional adjustment may be required, especially if the sound is behind the image or too quiet.
- 🎚️ Balance of sound: on soundbar MDZ-34-DA There is no equalizer, but you can adjust low/high frequencies with a button EQ (3 modes: Movie, Music, News).
- 🔄 Synchronization: when the sound is delayed through HDMI ARC Check the settings of the TV (sometimes there is an option) AV Sync or Lipsin).
- 🔊 Loudness: If the sound wheezes at maximum, reduce the level on the TV and compensate for the soundbar volume.
For Xiaomi TVs, the way to sound settings is:
Settings → Sound → Sound output → HDMI ARC/Optical
Settings → Sound → Additional → Synchronization of sound and video💡
If you have a Xiaomi Mi TV 4S/5 Pro, upgrade to the latest version of the firmware – older versions had a problem with automatically switching to HDMI ARC.
6. Solving common problems
Even with the right connection, there can be problems, and here are the most common ways to fix them:
⚠️ Attention: If soundbar MDZ-34-DA It doesn't turn on, check the power supply. 19V/1.58A — Using non-original adapters can cause failures or even breakage.
Problem 1: Soundbar is not defined by a TV via HDMI ARC
- 🔌 Check that the cable is connected to the port. HDMI ARC, not the usual HDMI.
- 🔄 Reboot both devices (remove the plugs from the socket for 30 seconds).
- 📺 In the settings of the TV, turn on the option HDMI-CEC (Sometimes called Anynet.+ or Bravia Sync).
Problem 2: The sound is interrupted or distorted
- 🎵 Try changing the sound format in the TV settings (from Dolby Digital to Dolby Digital). PCM vice versa).
- 🔌 If you use an optical cable, make sure it is not bent or damaged.
- 🔊 Reduce the volume on the TV by up to 70% and compensate for the soundbar volume.
⚠️ Note: When connecting through AUX Do not use extension cords or adapters, which degrade signal quality, and the maximum length of the cable should not exceed 1.5 meters.
7.Reset soundbar to factory settings
If the Xiaomi Redmi Mi TV Soundbar MDZ-34-DA is not working correctly (does not switch sources, does not mate over Bluetooth or makes extraneous noises), a reset can help.
- Turn the soundbar off the socket.
- Press the SOURCE button on the case and, without letting it go, turn on the power.
- Hold the SOURCE for another 10 seconds until the indicator blinks quickly.
- Release the button - the soundbar will reboot with factory settings.
After discharge:
- 🔄 You will have to re-match the devices via Bluetooth.
- 🎵 Sound modes (Movie/Music/News) squirt down to Movie.
- 🔊 Loudness set to 50%.